Woman arrested in conjunction with Eau Claire police incident

In an update to last week's police incident in Eau Claire where an area was shut down while searching for a shooting suspect, the Eau Claire police have released this -

Eau Claire Police Arrest Local Woman for Aiding Felon on the Run

On June 11th, 2024, investigators from the Madison Police Department contacted the Eau Claire Police Department requesting assistance in apprehending Jerome L. Jacobs Jr. DOB 2/14/1987, who is wanted in connection to an attempted homicide of two people. Madison Police advised Jacobs was believed to be in the Eau Claire area and provided a description of the rental vehicle he was associated with.

An Eau Claire County Sheriff's Deputy observed the rental vehicle being driven in the 900 block of Water Street. The Deputy was joined by Eau Claire Police and they attempted to stop the vehicle. Jacobs managed to elude officers for a short distance before abandoning his vehicle in the front lawn of a residence in the 200 block of 9th Avenue. Jacobs ran from the vehicle into a wooded area. Numerous officers from multiple agencies responded to assist in search efforts.

Unknown to officers at the time, Jacobs fled to a nearby residence, in the 900 block of Water Street, where he met Candace R. Rogers DOB 10/27/1969. Based on the investigation, Rogers helped Jacobs evade capture by hiding him in the backseat of her vehicle and driving him away from the area. This occurred within two minutes of the initial traffic stop.

Believing Jacobs was still in the area, law enforcement conducted an extensive search. This included:

-Establishing a perimeter

-Use of aerial drones

-K9 track

-Social Media alerts

-Lockdown of area businesses/facilities

-Live media broadcast

While the search was being conducted, investigators developed additional information which revealed a connection between Jacobs and Rogers. A search of the residence associated with Rogers was conducted. This was the residence Jacobs fled to earlier. Rogers was later contacted and arrested for her involvement in Jacobs' escape.

Rogers was arrested and is being held at the Eau Claire County Jail for Harboring or Aiding Felons; WI State Statute 946.47

Jacobs has not been located. We have no information to believe Jacobs is in the area. We ask the community to remain vigilant and contact authorities if you know the whereabouts of Jacobs. If you have information and would like to remain anonymous, please contact Madison Area Crime Stoppers at 608-266-6014.

Derek Thomas

Deputy Chief of Police